Heavyweight icon Lennox Lewis has considered whether Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua should be granted the opportunity to become a three-time world champion.
The two Brits are scheduled to finally square off on December 11, headlining an event at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Not only will they get the chance to settle their rivalry, but it has also been reported that the pair are set to collide for the WBA ‘super’ heavyweight title.
The last man to hold this belt was, of course, Oleksandr Usyk, who vacated his three world titles after stopping Rico Verhoeven in 11 rounds.
As a result, many regarded Murat Gassiev as a full world champion, given that he held the ‘regular’ belt and was, therefore, the only WBA titlist at heavyweight.
The Russian then defended his belt with a sixth-round knockout over Peter Kadiru in July, only to have his championship status undermined by recent reports of Fury-Joshua being for the WBA super title.
Based on recent form, with both coming off warm-up fights against limited opposition, many would argue that Fury and Joshua are undeserving of competing for world honours at this stage.
While speaking with Playbook Boxing, however, former undisputed champion Lewis explained that, regardless of merit, both fighters have every right to secure a major title shot if they are permitted to do so.
“If the title’s out there – take it, grab it. I believe so [they deserve it].”
Lewis was then asked if he believes the victor will defend the belt as a traditional champion.
“Well, I hope so, because who wants to be a paper champion?”
In fairness to Joshua, the 36-year-old has said that, with a victory over Fury, he would like to face Gassiev and settle any debate over who is the rightful champion.
